Banana Pudding Dessert
You girls affectionately call this “banana creme pie” which is a bit of a misnomer because it is far from “real banana creme pie” — that has real meringue on the top (we are good in our kitchen but not that good)!
This dessert is simple to make. You don’t have to bake anything!
Ingredients:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping OR if you want to do it like we do at camp, use a ½ pint of real whipping cream (you find this in the dairy case – in a tiny carton)
12 oz package vanilla wafers
4 bananas
Step 1.
Make your “whipped topping”:
*You need a mixer for this – or super strong arms :)
Pour the whipping cream in a bowl and turn the mixer on high. As it starts to beat the cream, add the sugar slowly – starting with a tablespoon or so. As you go, stop and taste it. Is it sweet enough for you? When it is, stop. Continue whipping the cream until it is light fluffy - be very careful not to whip too long or you will make butter. (No joke! Just keep an eye on it as you go, and make sure to stop before it gets stiff). Set aside.
Step 2.
Cut your 4 bananas into slices and set aside. They will brown a little but that’s ok. (At camp our baker cuts the bananas “long ways” to save time because she has so many desserts to make. Since you’re doing just one dish, it is best to cut slices that are medium-thick.
Step 3.
In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is nice and fluffy. Add in the condensed milk, the pudding mix powder, the cold milk (we use 1% at camp), and the vanilla (we use real vanilla extract at camp even though it is a bit more spendy – it is worth it)!
Step 4.
Fold half of your awesome whipped cream into the mix. Stir until blended. You can do this by hand. Set aside.
Step 5.
Line the bottom of a dish (like 9x13) with vanilla wafers. Arrange your banana slices evenly over the wafers - you can put a lot or a little, depending on how much banana you want. Spread with pudding mixture. Then top with the remaining whipped cream.
Chill for a good hour before serving. Enjoy!!
